Ulysse Nardin launches the FreakLab at Baselworld 2015 and hails as the benchmark innovation piece for the brand. Exclusive to Ulysse Nardin boutiques, the manufacture releases a limited-edition model numbered to 99 pieces.
Ulysse Nardin has been at the forefront of horological innovation. It was the first watch to incorporate a silicium escapement in 2001, a diamond escapement in 2005 and the Dual Ulysse escapement the same year. With the FreakLab, Ulysse Nardin makes a first in the Freak collection to showcase a re-centered balance wheel, a date function, and the breakthrough UlyChoc safety system – a new generation of shock absorbers designed, developed and produced entirely in-house.
The Ulysse Nardin FreakLab also incorporates the use of special materials, including blackened titanium and carbon fiber. The middle case and horns are crafted of blackened titanium; the case bezel is constructed of carbon fiber. These race-car materials make the case of the watch not only stronger than usual, but also much lighter.
While the watch is highly complicated in design, it is actually extremely simple to operate. The rotating bezel is freed via a safety clip at 6 o’clock and is used to set the hours and minutes when rotated clockwise, and the date when rotated counter-clockwise. The other bezel winds the mainspring barrel, which is designed for a power reserve of more than seven days. Modeled entirely in black and decorated with a modern and simplistic wave graphic, as well as a carbon fiber pattern – continued throughout the leather strap, this original version of the FreakLab tells a style story all its own and demonstrates a durability unlike any other. Limited to 99 pieces, FreakLab is exclusively available at Ulysse Nardin boutiques. The watch retails at US$75,000.
